Apocalyptically speaking, no one here gives up.

Apocalyptically speaking, no one here gives up.

Good morning, happy Friday, and many blessings.

The Gospel today (Luke 21:29-33) presents the final recommendations of the Apocalyptic Discourse. Jesus insists on two points: (a) the attention which should be given to the signs of the times (Lk 21: 29-31) and (b) hope founded on the firmness of the word of God which drives away fear and despair (Lk 21: 32-33).

Jesus’ reference to the fig tree evokes his earlier parable about the tree that was given a second chance to bear fruit. Do I have the courage to start again when I fall by the wayside? How well do I read the signs of the times, the signs that tell me what is valuable and what is passing?

We are told that the world in which we live will one day disappear, but the words of Jesus, words of truth and life will be forever valid. These words represent a vision of life and those timeless values which we understand as emanating from God.

This parable could be used to illustrate part of what we mean today by "discernment". The word is applied to a process of searching for God's will and deciding how to respond to it. Through gospel contemplation we allow ourselves to absorb the attitudes and values of Jesus. These then become the criteria by which we evaluate the situation in which we find ourselves and the particular issue calling for a decision. In a way we are looking for "signs". These will not be cosmic disturbances in the heavens but inner movements of spiritual consolation or desolation.

As the liturgical year ends is there anything in my life that I need to discern? If so, I pray that I may recognize the signs and interpret them correctly.

That is a hard lesson to learn: that when our lives are disturbed and uncertain, the kingdom of God is near. He is present in our sorrowful mysteries as well as our joyful. The words of God, the faithfulness and the promises of God and the love of God will never leave us. Just as fig trees ripen every year and bear fruit, God is true and certain. Prayer based on the words of God gives us a security and a love in life that nothing can move.

In the midst of all manner of natural, economic, and other disasters, God's word offers truth and a strong place. It is a rock on which we lean and on which we resist the forces of evil in the culture and in our own lives. There is something in Jesus that never goes away. We find that in prayer. But let's be clear, all this apocalyptic language is for us to be ready and that, in the midst of problems, instead of lamenting and crying, we stand up and continue to build a better world. The one we currently have is an earthly disaster. You don't have to die to see the changes of a new order. Let's start building paradise here on earth right now. Apocalyptically speaking, no one here gives up.

Jesus says to look at the fig tree to contemplate the phenomena of nature. In my life have I already learned something by contemplating nature?

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+